Strangles case puts farm on lockdown

A case of strangles was confirmed at Muirdrum Farm near Carnoustie at the weekend.

Bio-security measures were put in place at the small family run yard just outside the town.

Owner Gavin Watson said the pony at the centre of the scare is not showing any signs of illness but remains isolated and is being treated by a vet.

He said the infection period has now passed and the early signs are that there are no signs of any cross-contamination with any other horses.

But the livery will remain on lockdown until they are 100% sure there are no more cases which could take three to four weeks.

“Strangles is part and parcel of the equine world,” said Mr Watson.

“How we got it remains a mystery but it’s very easily treated if you deal with it without panicking.

“People are often unaware of the correct procedures which you have to follow once a case of strangles is confirmed.”

Mr Watson said the livery was hit with a case of strangles around three years ago.

Strangles (equine distemper) is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection of horses caused by a gram-positive bacterium, Streptococcus equi.

As a result, the lymph nodes swell, compressing the pharynx, larynx and trachea and can cause airway obstruction leading to death.

A horse with strangles will typically develop abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck causing coughing fits and difficulty swallowing.